Nuggets decide to go with youthful team as trade deadline quietly passes

Boston Celtics forward Kevin Garnett, left, throws the ball at Denver Nuggets forward Danilo Gallinari, of Italy, in an efort to keep the ball in play late in the fourth quarter of the Nuggets' 97-90 victory in an NBA basketball game in Denver on Tuesday, Feb. 19, 2013. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski) (The Associated Press)

Boston Celtics forward Brandon bass, right, reaches out to recover a loose ball as Denver Nuggets guard Andre Iguodala covers in the first quarter of the Nuggets' 97-90 victory in an NBA basketball game in Denver on Tuesday, Feb. 19, 2013. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski) (The Associated Press)

Masai Ujiri figured the best deal for his young Denver Nuggets team was simply not to make one.

Usually so active around the trade deadline, the Nuggets' executive of basketball operations resisted the temptation to significantly alter his team. Sure, he listened to offers. And yes, he even pitched a few.

But Ujiri decided to give the Nuggets an opportunity to develop this season instead of disrupting their growth with a big trade.

Speaking after the deadline Thursday, Ujiri said he doesn't think this squad is quite ready to be a "contending team," but given time they could turn into one, especially with emerging players such as Ty Lawson, Danilo Gallinari and Kenneth Faried leading the way.

That's why he elected to leave them be for now.